Music Pilgrimage: Famous Graves
Some of the world’s best musicians have come from Britain, and sadly, some of them are no longer with us. But if you want to pay your respects to these wonderful artists, here’s where you can find them:
Marc Bolan (1947 – 1977)
Who: Marc Bolan was the founder of the 1970’s Glam Rock group T-Rex. His songs included ‘Ride A White Swan’ and ‘21st Century Boy’. He died following a car crash, where his Mini hit a tree. On the anniversary of his death, hundreds of his fans gather at Golders Green Crematorium to honour his memory.
Where:Golders Green Crematorium (www.londoncemeteries.co.uk/?c=30),
London
John Bonham (1948 – 1980)
Who: John Bonham was the drummer for Led Zeppelin, and developed a reputation as the loudest rock drummer in Britain. He died after he consumed an estimated 40 shots of vodka in one day. He is known the world over as one of the most influential rock drummers of all time.
Where: St Michael’s Churchyard, Rushock,
England.
Dusty Springfield (1939 – 1999)
Who: Dusty Springfield is heralded as one of the best British female singers of all time. Some of her hit songs include ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’ and ‘Son of a Preacher Man’. She was awarded an O.B.E. for her contribution to music in 1999 shortly before her death from breast cancer.
Where: St Mary the Virgin Church Cemetery, Henley-on-Thames,
England
Keith Moon (1946 – 1978)
Who: Keith Moon was the drummer for the legendary rock band The Who. He was known for his rock and roll antics, which include nailing a hotel room’s furniture to the ceiling. He died after an overdose on medicine he was taking for his alcohol addiction.
Where:Golders Green Crematorium (www.londoncemeteries.co.uk/?c=30),
London.
Freddie Mercury (1946 – 1978)
Who: Freddie Mercury was the front man of legendary British rock group Queen. He’s regarded by many as the greatest showman ever to appear in the public eye. Freddie died at his home in London shortly after he announced he was suffering from AIDS.
Where: Freddie was cremated in Kensal Green Crematorium (www.kensalgreencemetery.com/), London, and his ashes are scattered on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland.